Norway’s whale death toll hits highest in five years
Norwegian whalers hunted at least 570 minke whales in 2021 despite growing calls to end it.
The number of minke whales killed by Norwegian whalers has reached the highest number in the past five years, drawing criticism from environmental activists.
Norwegian whalers have killed at least 570 minke whales during the 2021 season, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity.
503 minke whales were killed last year.
“Killing hundreds of minke whales is utterly inexcusable, especially given the critical role they play in our oceans,” said Vanessa Williams-Gray, the association’s policy officer.
“Whales are our allies in the fight against climate change. “
“After just days after the record-breaking dolphin massacre off the Faroe Islands and amid crises of climate and species extinction, as well as a global pandemic, it is shameful,” she added. .
Through the way they feed, defecate, migrate and dive, whales help maintain a healthy marine ecosystem that stores carbon.
Despite waning public appetite and strong international criticism, Norwegian whalers continued to kill whales for commercial purposes.
According to a recent study conducted by Respons Analyze in September, commissioned by the Animal Welfare Institute and WDC and Noah (Norway‘s largest animal welfare group), eating whale meat has declined in popularity in recent years.
Only 2% of the more than 1,000 people surveyed in the study said they often ate whale meat, up from 4% in 2019. Those under 35 are particularly unlikely to eat it often.
More than half of those polled said the sea should be closed to whaling and open to tourism.
According to research, one in five harpooned whales do not die instantly and die slowly. 65% of Norwegians consider this unacceptable.
In addition, two-thirds of whales hunted are females, nearly half of them pregnant.
“Live whales can play an important role in Norway’s tourism economy, as Iceland and Greenland have already recognized by establishing whale sanctuaries in areas that host responsible whale watching and wildlife viewing. ‘other ecotourism activities,’ said Susan Millward, director of the AWI Marine Animal Program.
“We urge the new Norwegian government to listen to its citizens and establish similar whaling-free zones, especially in major tourist areas such as Svalbard and Finnmark,” Millward added.
Norway exports whale meat to Japan, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Source: TRT World